LEXINGTON, Ky. — Once again, the Colorado State women’s volleyball program has earned respect from its peers across the country, receiving votes in the AVCA Division I Coaches 2013 Preseason Poll, released by the AVCA on Monday. Voting was conducted by Division I head coaches.

The Rams earned 15 total points, equivalent to 38th place in the top-25 ranking. CSU will face top-notch competition in 2013, with Pepperdine (65 points; 28th place) and Texas A&M (20; 35th) polled ahead of the Rams, and conference foe San Diego State (six; 40th) slated two spots behind CSU. All three teams played in last season’s NCAA tournament, as did Big Sky champion Northern Colorado.

CSU has been ranked or receiving votes in all 18 preseason polls since Head Coach Tom Hilbert’s arrival to Fort Collins in 1997. In their history, the Rams have been ranked in 235 of the 438 all-time polls, good for 15th in the nation. The Rams have also been ranked in 15 of the 31 final season polls (tied for 15th in the NCAA), in addition to ranking 19th for total weeks ranked in the top 10.

The Texas Longhorns, last year’s national champion, will begin the year ranked No. 1, followed by Penn State, Stanford, USC and Washington.

The Rams reported for fall camp yesterday, with practices beginning today. The four-time defending Mountain West champions will begin the season on Aug. 30 against Baylor. Tickets can be purchased here.